ObjectiveTo summarize the epidemiology of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and the epidemiological and economic burdens of NAFLD, so as to provide a reference for hospital management decision-making. MethodThe domestic and foreign guidelines relevant to NAFLD and the literatures relevant to epidemiological investigation and disease burden researches were summarized and its research progress was reviewed. ResultsThe global prevalence of NAFLD was increasing over years. The incidence, mortality, and disability adjusted life years of liver cirrhosis and liver cancer caused by NAFLD had increased year by year. The patients relevant to NAFLD of inpatients and outpatients had increased obviously, and the overall medical expenses had also shown a rising trend. The possible reasons were health care awareness, new drug research, population aging, and excessive medical consumption. In addition, children and adolescents with NAFLD had a obviously increased risk of liver or extrahepatic diseases. ConclusionsBy understanding the epidemiological trend of NAFLD, it is a certain understanding of the disease burden of NAFLD and the related factors affecting the increase of its treatment cost. It is believed that it is necessary to further pay attention to and strengthen the genetic characteristics, pathogenesis, drug research and development, and early diagnosis of cirrhosis and liver cancer relevant to NAFLD in the future. At the same time, the NAFLD group of children and adolescents should not be ignored.
ObjectiveTo summarize the progress in research on the role of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in liver diseases. MethodThe relevant literature at home and abroad in recent years was searched and reviewed. ResultsThe H2S played an important role in the occurrence and development of the liver diseases through anti-oxidative stress, anti-inflammation, regulation of autophagy, endoplasmic reticulum stress, angiogenesis, cell death, and other mechanisms. However, the relevant mechanisms are still controversial. Future studies needed to deeply explore the specific role of H2S in the different liver diseases, and how to accurately control its level in vivo and achieve targeted drug administration. ConclusionsThe concentration of H2S in vivo can be regulated by supplementing exogenous H2S, adjusting intestinal microbiota or inhibiting key enzymes of H2S synthesis, which provides a new strategy for the treatment of liver diseases. However, the relevant mechanisms are still controversial, and future research needs to delve into the specific role of H2S in different liver diseases, as well as how to precisely control its levels in vivo and achieve targeted drug delivery.